U.S. Declares Majeed Brigade a Foreign Terrorist Group Amid Pakistan Army Chief’s Visit

Washington, D.C. – August 11, 2025In a move coinciding with the high-profile U.S. visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the United States has designated the Majeed Brigade — a militant unit of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The State Department also added the group to BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listing, first issued in 2019.The timing of the announcement underscores Washington’s focus on counterterrorism cooperation with Islamabad, as both nations face the challenge of transnational militant networks.The BLA, active in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks. In 2024, it claimed suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, it claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and taking more than 300 passengers hostage.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designation demonstrates the Trump Administration’s “commitment to countering terrorism” and will “curtail support for terrorist activities.”While in Washington, Field Marshal Munir is expected to meet senior U.S. defense and intelligence officials, with counterterrorism collaboration likely to top the agenda. Analysts say the designation of the Majeed Brigade could serve as a goodwill gesture from Washington, aligning with Pakistan’s long-standing demand for stronger action against Baloch separatist outfits operating across borders.